Advice from the 'Track Rats' please...
 

Hi guys...

I'm preparing to begin club racing / HPDE's / etc...

Looking for recommendations on helmets.

Any advice, experiences, insight, etc... Is greatly appreciated.

Thanks all!

1. where are you located?
2. there's big difference bn HPDE and racing. if you are asking what helmet to get, you are likely HPDE
3. if your area has strong PCA presence then that's great place to get started.

if i mistook you as newbie (based on your Q), forgive me and ask more directly questions. we love to help

Try on the helmets. Fit is critical.

Might want to wait a couple of weeks when the Snell SA2015 helmets are released on October 1.

Which means you can get the latest SA2015 rating, or perhaps pick up a SA2010 at a discount.

Advice from the 'Track Rats' please...
 

Full face, com system, Hans post anchors, if hot I like air inlet.

Helmets are a little like clothes, you need to find one that fits you well. Some manufacturers fit people's heads better. So go and try them on.

For me, Stilo ST5 is worth the investment. Com left (with noise attenuating ear muffs), liquid right, top air. It's an excellent lid! You'll need Stilo com system and adapter to non Stilo helmets (eg instructor)

Arai also seems to have a good following, though I've never used them.

Agree with mooty. If this is first helmet for HPDE, something like the Bell K1 is a good helmet for 1/4-1/2 price of Stilo. Can upgrade for racing later.

Thanks guys.

Yes...definitely a newbie here when it comes to HPDE's / Driving Clubs / etc...
I did compete in amatuer bracket drag racing many years ago and have been working on cars for about 20 years. But I'm not a mechanic by trade. 38 years old.

I am taking this one step at a time as I want to learn and graduate to the next levels as my skills develop. Ultimately right now I just want to be able to go to a track and race 'myself'...by myself. But understand I may need to have an instructor next to me for some time. Which is totally cool with me as I want to be safe and educated first and foremost.

I hope this gives some more insight on me and my goals.

1. Northwest suburb of Philadelphia.

2. Newbie. Still learning. When I wrote 'club racing' what I really mean is joining a Driving Club (New Jersey Motorsports Park Drivers Club) where I can just go and DRIVE...and race myself.

3. I looked into PCA...it looked like I couldn't actually join until I own the vehicle. I'm currently waiting for my allocation and expect to have my GT next Spring. So I'm just planning ahead to ensure I'm ready to hit the ground running come next season.

Thanks a ton!

sorry, i am an idiot. i didn't understand your orig post
you wanted rec on HELMET. not on DE.
like someone said, wait a bit as new spec is out. the older one (still good) will get heavy discount.
goto an actual store and fit it to your head. fit is most important.
if you wear glasses, make sure you try to stuff it into the eyeport. often no easy.
the more you pay, in general, the lighter they are and more ventilation, some may have internal comm connections.

most higher end ones has HANS anchors built in already

I am no racer. I have a big head so helmet weight can be an issue. For the price, I find this works great for me. Fits me well.
http://www.saferacer.com/simpson-car...FRCqaQodD9gCjg

lots of good options out there - from good value ones to mega bucks ones (bell/zamp, simpson etc etc)...good value hat is 250 - loaded super light one 800-1000

do not buy a motorcycle helmet - they are NOT acceptable to de events

suggest you go to a race/sport oriented shop that carries auto helmets and try on and discuss

if you are starting de/ax/club racing you may want to start easy with 'beginner' stuff then move up...

Make sure you try it on with and without a Balaclava - I wear one with a lid lifter for safety, but really the day to day benefit is to keep sweat/smell out of my helmet.

+1 This makes a huge difference. Get multiple Balaclavas, full open face.

Sign up at your local BMW CCA and PCA DE track events and pay attention to the instructors is the best advice I can give you. Have fun out there. :D

When I'm coaching, I love my Arai. In my race car, I use the carbon Stilo with radio and air. Try on helmets before you buy. Spend the money to get the lightest construction. Make sure you can get replacement visors and hardware. Wait for the 2015 cert, as the cert typically lasts 5 years. In another year, you'll be required to have a 2015 cert helmet.

The wait of my sweat in my helmet easily offsets the difference, good that its at a much lower center of gravity.